The University of Ilorin, Nigeria and Global Forum for Sustainable Rural Development (GFSRD) have taken a significant step toward advancing sustainable rural development by entering into a strategic partnership.
The historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony, held virtually on 2nd of January, 2025, underscores the institution’s commitment to fostering global collaboration and driving impactful change in sustainable rural development.
The MoU solidifies a mutual agreement between the University of Ilorin and GFSRD to collaborate in key areas such as research, capacity building and community development.
This partnership is expected to strengthen efforts in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while enhancing the University’s contribution to rural development initiatives.
MoU aims the partnership seeks to create opportunities to provide exchange internship prospects for qualified students of both institutions; facilitate staff (e,g, sabbatical) exchange programmes for knowledge exchange on best practices related to rural development.
The MoU also seeks to create opportunities to facilitate and coordinate joint research cooperation and curriculum development; organize seminars, academic interactive sessions, and other professional development activities.
The MoU aims at facilitating exchange of academic materials and other relevant educational information; coordinate special short-term academic programs, including short-term seminars to introduce faculty, staff, students and friends of the institutions to general cultural activities and other areas of specialized learning.
It will also serve on joint Editorial Boards of official and recognized Journals of both institutions; and collaborate on research grants initiatives that address challenges in sustainable rural development.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Research, Training and Innovation, Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole described the partnership as a monumental stride in the University’s mission to impact society positively.
He said, “This collaboration will provide our students and researchers with a platform to contribute to global solutions for rural development challenges.”
The Secretary General GFSRD, Dr Jayanta Choudhury, highlighted the importance of the partnership and building alliances that bridge the gap between academic research and real-world applications.
The MoU signing between the University of Ilorin and GFSRD marks the beginning of an exciting journey toward sustainable rural development in Africa.
With the combined expertise and resources of both institutions, this partnership holds great promise for transformative impact at local, national, and global levels.
The event was facilitated by Prof Lateef Onireti Ibraheem (Director, Center for International Education, University of Ilorin), under the chairmanship of Professor Adegboyega Adisa Fawole (Deputy Vice Chancellor RTI), and witnessed by Dr Bilqis Abiola LAWAL (Deputy Director, CIE, University of Ilorin), Dr Abdulhakeem Zubair (Language translator, CIE), Prof Oluyemisi Bolajoke Fawole (Dean, Faculty of Agriculture), Prof. Ganiyu Amuda-Yusuf (Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences), Prof Bola Simeon-Fayomi and Dr Olabanji Oluwafemi Peter (Desk Officer, University of Ilorin/GFSRD MoU signing).
On behalf of GFSRD, Prof. Manas Mohan Adhikary, Former Vice-Chancellor, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, India & Member, Board of Directors, signed the MoU. President Dr. Shiladitya Chatterjee, and Vice-president Prof. R.R.Prasad conveyed their wishes for the new beginning.
Among others, Prof. Mahendra Salaria, Head, GFSRD- Global Centre for Inclusive Development; Prof. Amir Nasurulla, Head, GFSRD- Global Centre for Local Government; Dr. Amrita Sarkar, Head, GFSRD- Global Centre for Public Health Care and Management and Shri. Tapash Ranjan Chakraborti, Global Head, GFSRD-Action Research were present during the signing of MOU.
